2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted in 2024, presented a unique aesthetic that set it apart from other Mercedes-Benz SUVs. It shared some visual bulk with models like the GLS, GLC, and GLB, yet its more rounded profile paid homage to previous generations and its M-Class predecessor. The GLE's design featured squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille and headlights, giving it a wide stance. However, the sharply inward-tapering side glass and rakish windshield and back window created odd proportions, especially in the GLE Coupe models. Despite not being the most handsome in the Mercedes lineup, its styling adhered closely to the brand's orthodoxy, ensuring it was unmistakably a Benz.

Inside, the GLE offered a departure from the typical black, grey, and tan interiors, with options like the U.S.-exclusive Yacht Blue. The interior felt upscale, with features like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles for the optional Burmester audio system, and 64-colour ambient lighting that transformed the cabin into a vibrant space at night. These elements contributed to a sense of luxury and distinctiveness within the GLE's cabin.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas was available in four trim levels in Canada: Comfortline, Peak Edition, Highline, and Execline. The Peak Edition had an off-road-ready appearance, while the Execline was the sportiest with the most standard equipment. A five-passenger version, the Atlas Cross Sport, offered a more rakish design but was otherwise similar to the three-row Atlas. Base prices ranged from $50,995 to $60,995, excluding destination charges and other fees. The Atlas Execline, tested in Mountain Lake Blue with a Shetland Beige leather interior, sat at the top of this price range, aligning with competitors' top-trim prices.

The Atlas Execline impressed with its polished aluminum detailing, front and rear light bars, and sizable 21-inch wheels with a machined finish and 10-spoke design. Its chiseled, muscular, upscale appearance aged well, and the Mountain Lake Blue colour resisted looking dirty, concealing dust and debris. Inside, the premium look continued with diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood creating a warm and inviting environment. Digital instrumentation and a large infotainment touchscreen with appealing graphics promised a high-tech experience. However, the touch-sensitive temperature and stereo volume controls were less satisfying to use, especially without gloves, and could be problematic in winter.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and two AMG variants. The lineup began with the GLE 350, featuring a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a mild hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, with 4Matic all-wheel drive standard on all Canadian models. The GLE 450 4Matic boasted a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine, generating 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist, delivering 381 hp and 479 lb-ft, along with an 80-kilometre electric range.

The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ and AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ performance models rounded out the lineup. The AMG GLE 53 featured an enhanced inline-six powertrain, producing 429 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds. The AMG GLE 63 S, with a hand-assembled twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, delivered a staggering 603 hp and 627 lb-ft, reducing the 0-100 km/h time to 3.9 seconds. The GLE 63 S 4Matic+ Coupe, available only in GLE 450 4Matic or AMG specs, offered exhilarating stoplight launches with a classic V8 soundtrack. While the GLE's overall refinement impressed, it felt larger than it was, even in AMG spec, making maneuvering in tight urban spaces challenging.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas transitioned to a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and 3.6-litre V6 options. This engine produced 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW's 4Motion AWD system. Initially, this change seemed questionable, given the Atlas's size and 2,268-kilogram (5,000-pound) tow rating. However, the engine proved refined, offering a satisfying driving experience once drivers adapted to its torque curve between 1,600 rpm and 4,500 rpm. Sport mode enhanced the engine note but impacted fuel economy.

During testing on a mountainous evaluation loop, the Atlas returned 15.2 litres per 100 kilometres in urban conditions and 12.3 L/100 km over the entire 110+ kilometres driven. The official ratings for the Execline trim were 12.8 L/100 km city and 11.3 L/100 km combined. The ride quality was a letdown, with the suspension feeling brittle over road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. Despite these drawbacks, the Atlas's handling was predictable on mountain roads, with the tires being the weakest link. Sport mode kept the engine and transmission alert, while the brakes resisted rumble, vibration, and fade under duress.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row, five-seat, and three-row, seven-seat configurations, although Mercedes did not publish third-row space specifications. The GLE offered similar headroom to most rivals, but the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and Genesis GV80 provided slightly more legroom. The GLE's high seating position was SUV-like, but outward visibility was limited, diminishing the commanding view. The AMG test car's heavily bolstered front seats were designed for sporty driving but made entry and exit more challenging.

Second-row passengers enjoyed slightly more space than in most competitor SUVs, with headroom nearly identical to the rear seats of a BMW X5 and slightly more than other rivals. The GLE offered approximately 7.5 centimetres of additional legroom compared to the BMW, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and Lexus RX. The GLE's cargo space was competitive, with 894 litres behind the second-row seats and 1,790 litres with all seats folded. The bulky centre console provided reasonable small-item storage, and the GLE's maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms (7,700 pounds) matched the Audi Q7, although other competitors could tow at least 3,175 kilograms (7,000 pounds).

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering a spacious and comfortable interior. The third-row seat was among the most comfortable in its class, and the cargo area was cavernous. The Execline model's heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats were comfortable and supportive, though the leather felt slightly stiff. Excellent outward visibility, large side mirrors, and a surround-view camera system made parking easier, despite the Atlas feeling like a full-size SUV from behind the wheel.

The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample leg-, foot-, and headroom. The seat cushion was slightly low, but sufficient thigh support and a proper backrest angle compensated for this. Passengers had their own climate-control panel and air vents, and a panoramic sunroof added to the spacious feel. Access to the third-row seat was outstanding, with generous clearance and a bench seat providing adequate leg support. Storage space was commendable in all three rows, with practical and well-finished compartments.

The Atlas offered 583 litres of cargo space behind the third-row, with recessed trays adding utility. The 50/50-split folding third-row created a flat floor and 1,571 litres of cargo volume, while folding the second-row maximized capacity at 2,735 litres. Although the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia offered slightly more cargo space, the Atlas's third-row seating was more appealing.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a standard interface with dual 12.3-inch screens, creating the impression of a continuous horizontal display. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as built-in navigation. Multiple access methods, including a centre console touchpad, steering wheel touchpads, and the central touchscreen, could be confusing, but the native voice recognition system was effective. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe test car offered additional settings, including six drive modes and adjustable damper firmness, stability control, and exhaust noise. Some GLE models featured an off-road display and a "transparent hood" function for the 360-degree camera system, enhancing off-road capability.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used VW Group's third-generation Modular Infotainment Toolkit (MIB3) operating system, accessible through a 12-inch touchscreen display. Car-Net connected service plans enhanced the technology. The Atlas lacked traditional stereo and climate controls, relying on touch-sensing temperature buttons and a touch-and-slide volume control. Volume and tuning rocker switches on the steering wheel were hard to see and easy to forget. The Atlas's native digital voice assistant was unreliable, making tasks like tuning the radio difficult. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided a more satisfying experience, offering a conversational digital voice assistant, navigation, and music streaming. The Atlas Execline's Harman Kardon audio system was impressive, but the MIB3 system's user-experience glitches detracted from the overall experience.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, although some were not standard. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring with exit assist, crosswind assist, parking assist, a driver attention monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The Pre-Safe system aimed to mitigate collision effects by tightening seatbelts, closing windows and the sunroof, and emitting a sound to protect against hearing loss. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control with speed-limit and curve adaptation, stop-and-go functionality, lane-change assist, evasive steering assist, and an expanded driver-monitoring system. The GLE received a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, although its front-crash prevention tech received "Marginal" and "Acceptable" ratings.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured standard driver assistance features under the IQ.Drive umbrella, including Front Assist, Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and a rear cross-traffic alert system were also standard. Front Assist included forward collision warning, pedestrian warning, and automatic emergency braking. Lane Assist encompassed lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist, while Side Assist actively prevented unsafe lane changes. Travel Assist paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist for semi-automated highway driving. Emergency Assist detected unresponsive drivers and brought the Atlas to a safe stop. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS "Top Safety Pick," although updated ratings for 2025 were unavailable.